1929 Construction

Designated Hull #574, the boat was originally named Bobanet, and was built to contract for R.B. MacBride, the owner of a Dodge automobile dealership in Modesto, CA, for $12,000, including a down payment of a 1929 "Dodge Senior Sport Model Sedan," a car valued at $1,985. The boat's gross tonnage was listed at 18, net tonnage at 16, and the boat was originally driven by two Scripps F-6 gasoline engines (replaced in 1990 by two Chrysler-Nissan 72-hp diesel engines).

1929 Seven Bells Launch Day Photos

1929 magazine ads for Stephens 43' Cruisers

Construction photos taken between June 15 and November 20, 1929

Stern framing

Planking deck

Hull framing and bulkheads

Hull interior

Keel framing

Bulkheads

Bulkheads and bow framing

Hull shaping

Original statement from the factory describing the boat

1. In General

The boat is a raised-deck, bridge-cabin, moulded cruiser with two separate sleeping compartments, one in the forward stateroom which has two single built-in berths with kapoc mattresses on springs. The after main cabin is provided with two hinged seat backs, the backs of which make upper berths, thus making the bottoms of the seats available also as berths. Both cabins are provided with toilet rooms, hanging lockers, etc.

The power plant is two F-6 Scripps or Grays-8 motors, installed under the bridge cabin and accessible through large hinged hatches. All controls of the engines are carried to the control cabinet upon which is mounted the teakwood steering wheel, control levers, switches, and all instruments mounted thereupon in consolidated instrument panels. Just after this instrument cabinet and set into the bridge cabin floor is a cast bronze socket into which the portable steering seat can be set. Just forward of the instrument cabinet on the port side is a built-in teakwood chart locker.

The bridge cabin is entered on both sides with sliding doors, and has ample ventilation through two hinged windows that open forward and through the doors on either side. At the after and of the bridge cabin is a built-in seat with a deep spring-filled cushion and upholstered back. The galley between the bridge cabin and main cabin is fully equipped with a Rock Gas stove with ample lockers, drawers, bread board, ice box, etc. A ventilating locker is built above the stove with an outlet through the roof. This locker can also be used as a warmer when meals are being prepared.

The materials used are selected of the best commercial quality up to the purpose used and the workmanship is all of the very highest type. All permanent fixtures such as toilets, wash basins, ports, hardware, are all of standard modern type in quality, or as particularly specified.

2. Delivery

Delivery of the boat will be in the water at Stockton, California.

3. Acceptance

Acceptance of the boat will be when delivery and a three-hour trial run have been completed in the water at Stockton.